Texas
Isabel Cabello
Isabel Cabello has been a participant of the Lubbock Housing Authority's
public housing program since March 1996. She enrolled in the housing
authority's Family Self-Sufficiency program in June 1998. At the age
of fifteen, she became a teenage mother and housewife, but continued
her high school education. Shortly after, she separated from her husband
and had to rear three children alone. Isabel always aspired to obtain
employment in the secretarial field, but possessed no office skills,
lacked discipline and was a victim of low self-esteem.
In the fall of 1998, she decided to enroll in a local business college,
and became employed part-time in a work study program at the Texas Tech
Health Science's Center. Shortly after receiving job placement through
the work-study program, she was offered full-time employment as a Clerical
Specialist and was soon promoted to Patient Services Specialist. Shortly
after employment she purchased a new automobile resulting in another
completed goal.
She recently informed the FSS department that her current employer
has offered her a job promotion to Senior Patient Specialist after she
completes a one-year coursework in coding. She looks forward to completing
her ultimate goal of becoming a homeowner, which her escrow funds will
help her achieve.
Sponsored by:
Lubbock Housing Authority
Lubbock, TX
2001
Vinnie Cummings
Vinnie Cummings had been a part of the FWHA Section 8 Program for many
years. She enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program in 1993 with
the goal of securing full-time employment and becoming a homeowner.
Ms. Cummings participated in the Unpaid Work Experience Program at the
Fort Worth Housing Authority to develop her job skills. She ultimately
landed a full-time position at FWHA as a Clerk. Ms. Cummings successfully
completed the FSS program and purchased a home in 1999.
Fort Worth, TX
Sherry Donahue
Sherry Donahue entered the Fort Worth Housing’s Family Self-Sufficiency
Program in April 1994, with the commitment to improve the quality of
life for herself and her children. With the assistance of FSS staff
and the supportive services provided to Sherry, she was able to attend
Paul Quinn College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Organizational Management. After completing her college degree, Sherry
obtained full-time employment with the Internal Revenue Service. She
successful completed her goals and became self-sufficient and purchased
a home with the escrow money she accrued while on the FSS program.
Fort Worth, TX
Omar Garcia
Omar Garcia is nothing less than a success story. His humble beginnings
and family struggles provided him with the motivation to strive for
the best. He grew up with his family under BHA’s Section 8 Program.
Seeing his family struggles were what made Omar dedicated and determined
to be successful. Omar Garcia received a $250,000 scholarship to West
Point Academy. He graduated May 29th, with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Brownsville, TX
Maribel Gracia
Maribel Gracia was born and raised in Brownsville, TX on the border,
by the sea, in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She graduated from Porter
High School in 1985. Maribel was a client in the Section 8 Vouchers
Program from January 10, 1993 to November 30, 2001. Shortly after her
divorce from an abusive husband leaving her alone with two very young
sons she was introduced to the Family Self-Sufficiency Program in August
1996. The FSS program was the perfect opportunity for Maribel to continue
her education and become self-sufficient. Maribel's goals consisted
of receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Education, working as a teacher
for the Brownsville Independent School District, and becoming a homeowner.
Having already earned an Associate Degree in Child Care and Development
at the University of Texas at Brownsville, Maribel began working towards
a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts-Education. She received her degree
in May 2001 majoring in English with a minor in Kinesiology. She received
her escrow funds.
Currently, Maribel is working as a third grade teacher at Rosa Del
Castillo Elementary School with BISD, and is attending classes at night
at UTB hoping to receive a certification in Elementary Bilingual Education
by May 2003. She will continue her education by working towards a Masters
Degree in Education by December 2004.
Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville
Brownsville, TX
2002
Alva Guebara
Alva Guebara received a FSS contract on June 20, 1995. She had just
lost her job prior to enrolling in the FSS program and listed a creer
in the medical field as her top goal. Enrolled in Midland College in
January, 1996 with a class load of 6 hours. Accepted into R.N. Program
at the college in June 1998. Graduated with a R.N. Degree in December
1999. Salary at Midland Memorial Hospital went from $5.74 an hour to
$12.26 an hour.
Midland, TX
Patricia Hale
Patricia Hale is a single parent of two children. Ms. Hale, because
of life adversities lived in a Woman’s shelter with her children before
receiving Section 8 in 1994. In October of 1995 Patricia enrolled in
the FSS program and established individual goals that would allow her
to become self-sufficient. While on the FSS program, Patricia worked
closely with FSS staff to obtain the supportive services that would
allow her to attend college full-time. She enrolled in Tarrant County
College where she received her Associates Degree in Office Professional.
After completing her degree, Patricia secured permanent employment as
a Customer Service Representative with Texas Health Systems. After successfully
completing her goals, Patricia purchased a home in 1999.
Fort Worth, TX
Marion Lopez
Marion Lopez is a former resident of public housing and a mother of
two. She moved into the Ripley Arnold Apartments in 1989. With limited
job skills, she volunteered as a Spanish translator for residents that
did not speak English and worked with the youth at Ripley. In 1993,
FWHA received a youth sports grant, which allowed for extensive programs
to be offered at the Ripley Arnold Community Center. The YMCA ran the
youth programs and Ms. Lopez began volunteering at the Community Center
on a weekly basis. Eventually, she was offered part-time employment
with the YMCA and over the next few years, she received several promotions.
In 1997, Ms. Lopez became a full-time Site Coordinator for the Ripley
program and was named employee of the year in 1999. Ms. Lopez worked
very closely with the Resident Services department to obtain services
that assisted her in her efforts to become self-sufficient. Ms. Lopez
purchased a home in 1999 and continues to work as the Site Coordinator
for the Ripley program.
Fort Worth, TX
Victoria Martinez
Victoria Martinez is a single parent of a small child who lives
at one of the developments from the Harlingen Housing Authority. Ms.
Martinez signed her ROSS-Residents Opportunity Interest Participation
form on January 22, 2001.
At that time she expressed her desire to become self-sufficient. Her
goal was to attend Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and become a
registered nurse. A referral was issued to Ms. Martinez for an application
to TSTC.
Ms. Martinez was accepted to TSTC and received Financial Aide. She
started going to school the fall of 2001. At the present time she has
completed three semesters of school and has earned a total of 32-credit
hours. She has also been on the Deans list for the past 2 semesters.
Ms. Martinez is to be commended for her effort towards self-sufficiency.
She is excited about her opportunity to go to school and looks forward
to the day that she becomes a nurse.
Harlingen, TX
2002
Mary Priddy
Mary S. Priddy enrolled in the FSS program in January 1999. She
is a single mom with two children, and struggled to provide the basic
necessities for her family. Her employment history was unstable, and
she did not own transportation. She realized that she would have to
receive additional training if she were to find a decent paying job,
with benefits. With the help of the Texas Workforce Center, she entered
a job training program with Frito Lay.
She has been employed full-time with Frito Lay since April 2001. She
is now earning enough money to provide for her family, and has purchased
a reliable car. Mary has successfully completed her goals, and has moved
off the Section 8 program. She received over $10,000 in escrow, with
which she purchased her first home.
Housing Authority of the City of Lubbock, TX
2003
Antonieta Quepons
Antoneita Quepons signed with the Fort Worth Housing Authority Section
8 Program in 1997 with a dream of one day making a better life for herself.
A mother of now 14 adult children and 1 teenage boy at home, she struggled
with a lack of education and job skills to make her dream come true.
Through the FWHA Resident Services & Family Self-Sufficiency Department,
Ms. Quepons learned about the Business Careers Program. She felt this
program would give her with the skills necessary to secure a better
paying a job. Ms. Quepons enrolled in the FWHA Business Careers Program
and received Computer/Clerical and job readiness training. After completing
the training program she secured employment as a translator for a major
airline. The Fort Worth Star Telegram did a feature story on Ms. Quepons
highlighting her efforts to move towards self-sufficiency. Ms. Quepons
continues to work with the Family Self-Sufficiency Specialist to pursuing
home ownership.
Fort Worth, TX
Juan and Olga Quesada
Juan and Olga Quesada, achieved their life long dream and became
homeowners November of 2001. The couple has six children ranging in
age from a 14 year-old daughter to 7-year-old twin boys.
The family was able to achieve this dream with the assistance received
from the Harlingen Housing Authority's Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Escrow account. The family enrolled for participation in the FSS program
August of 1997. Their goal was to seek stable employment and try to
get advancements that would help them become independent of government
assistance. They were also very excited about the escrow program because
their biggest dream was to become homeowners. They both worked very
hard to reach this goal. Mr. Quesada changed jobs several times in the
course of the time that they were enrolled in the program. His focus
was always to earn a high enough income so that he could support his
family and be able to purchase a home. The Quesada's encountered many
mortgage rejections due to their credit history. During their time of
enrollment in the FSS program they had been working to repair their
credit history, but the task seemed harder then they anticipated. This
however, did not deter the family's main goal, which was one day to
own their own home. Mr. Quesada was determined to become a homeowner.
Mr. and Mrs. Quesada finally found a home, and because of the funds
that they had with the FSS Escrow account the owner agreed to owner
financing.
Mr. Quesada is currently working with X-Ray Transport Company. His
wife is currently employed with the Ninos Head Start Program as a teacher's
assistant. They are both very happy to have their home and are making
every effort to maintain their financial stability. To accomplish this
Mrs. Quesada is planning on attending Texas State Technical College.
Harlingen, TX
2003
Juanita Abrego Ramirez
Ms. Ramirez, was a single mom with three children and has been a resident
of the Lubbock Housing Authority’s Section 8 program since 1995. She
attended South Plains College (SPC) for two years, earning her Associates
of Applied Science/Office Technology Administrative Emphasis degrees
in May 1999. Juanita maintained an overall grade point average of 3.4
and made the Dean’s list twice. Prior to entering South Plains College,
Juanita attended Bridges at the Adult Learning Center and continued
with remedial classes. At one period of her life, Juanita felt that
she was not going to make it, but with the support she received from
her family and friends she was able to obtain success. Even though she
maintained a full academic schedule, she still managed to participate
in the Texas College Work Study Program with South Plains College. Juanita
took another big step in he life, she took the vows of matrimony on
July 31, 1997, she not only got a husband but two more children as well.
Juanita is currently working for the Volunteer Center for Lubbock.
Sponsored by:
Housing Authority of the City of Lubbock
Lubbock, TX
Terry Reed
Terry Reed joined the Fort Worth Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency
Program in July, 1995, with hopes and dreams of making a better life
for herself and her children. Terry overcame the odds by becoming drug
free and enrolling in the local Junior College. With self-determination
and the support of the FWHA Residents Service and Family Self-Sufficiency
staff, Terry was able to successfully maintain a family, school and
employment. In May of 1996, Terry obtained her Associates Degree in
Applied Sciences/Computer Graphics and Design. In 1998, she completed
all requirements under the FWHA FSS Program and received a substantial
escrow check. Terry is now employed by a major industry working as a
Computer Drafter Designer.
Fort Worth, TX
Olivia Rodriguez
Olivia enrolled in the FSS program in July 1997. She is a single
mom of two children, and who like most single moms felt the constant
pressure of not having enough money to make ends meet. She was working
20 hours per week as a bus driver and teacher's aide. She realized that
she would have to receive additional job training and further her education.
If she were to ever provide for her family without government subsidies.
Other than financial problems, there were health issues that she must
overcome. She experienced three major surgeries within a six-month period.
Her road to recovery was painful, but she overcame her goal to improve
her health and to further her education. She is now employed full-time
in the wireless communication field, and is no longer by government
subsidies. Olivia received approximately $3,800.00 in escrow funds.
Housing Authority of the City of Lubbock, TX
2003
Sandra Rodriguez
Sandra Rodriguez grew up in the Citrus Gardens developments of the Brownsville
Housing Authority. Sandra is a 17 year-old student at Porter High School,
this year she is a senior and will be graduating in June. Sandra is
an active volunteer with the Resident’s Association of the Brownsville
Housing Authority. Recently Sandy received the following achievement
awards at the awards presentation held at the high school. Science,
Engineering Professions, Elks Teenager of the Month and the Most Valuable
Student Award. She is graduating with a 4.30 grade point average. She
took advantage of the after school learning centers that are provided
and funded through the Drug Elimination Program of the housing authority.
She achieved academic success by studying hard and participating in
civic clubs and organizations.
Brownsville, TX
Deetra White
Deetra White moved into the Butler housing community in 1987, a mother
of five, she was overwhelmed and lacked any support systems. She struggled
with self-esteem issues and lacked confidence in her ability to become
successful. Ms. White began working with the Resident Services & Family
Self-Sufficiency Department to obtain the supportive services that would
allow her to move toward self-sufficiency. Over a period of a few years,
Ms. White would enroll in programs but would not complete them. Eventually,
Ms. White attended life skill programs and gained the confidence she
needed to follow through with her goals. She enrolled in the FWHA’s
Business Careers Program and received Computer/Clerical training for
six months. At the completion of this program, Ms. White obtained full-time
employment as a Customer Service Rep. With a major financial institution.
With renewal confidence in herself, Ms. White was transferred to the
FWHA’s scattered site housing and is pursuing home ownership.
Fort Worth, TX
Juanda Wright
Juanda Wright, a single parent with one child, entered the FSS program
in September of 1998. Having already earned an A.A. Degree in Business
Management at Midland College before she entered the FSS program, Juanda
began working towards a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree at
the University of Texas-Permian Basin (UTPB) which she will receive
in August 2000. Mrs. Wright has been an exemplary student at UTPB receiving
numerous awards and honors. Among them are: (1) International Honor
Society for Business, Management, and Administration; (2) Received an
All-American Scholar Award; (3) Served on the School of Business Student
Advisory Council; (4) Biography published in 22nd Annual Edition of
the National Dean's List 1998-1999 and also 1999-2000; (5) Named to
UTPB's President Honor's List for students with 4.0 Grade Point Average
(GPA) for Summer 1999; and (6) Named to UTPB Dean's Honor Roll for Spring
and Fall semesters of 1999; and (7) Upon completion of training and
exams in the Microsoft Office User Specialist Program received Certificates
of Achievement as an Expert using the "Microsoft PowerPoint 97" programs.
Finally, Juanda has been accepted in the UTPB's School of Business
Masters Program to pursue a Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
Degree. Her immediate goals after finishing her schooling is to get
a good paying job and purchase a home.
Midland County Housing Authority, Midland, TX
Updated 10/10/2000
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